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These Valentine’s Strawberries with dark chocolate are surprisingly easy, and perfect for Valentine’s Day desserts and other special occasions.
With bold, fruity flavors, rich chocolate, and a pop of bright flavor, they’re loved by kids and adults alike! Plus, with a few simple steps, they’re unbelievably easy to make yet always look impressive.
All you need are a few strawberries, dark chocolate, and fresh basil, and you can have an impressive treat ready to eat in less than 30 minutes!
Recipe Tip
Not a fan of chocolate? Try plain strawberry roses instead. Or, go the savory route with an avocado rose appetizer!
I first made strawberry roses with chocolate as a fun Valentine’s Day treat for my kids. However, now, I use them as a last-minute dessert to elevate any special occasion or holiday platter.
Valentine’s Strawberries Ingredients
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Fresh strawberries: Use medium to large berries that are firm and not overly ripe. If they’re mushy at all, they won’t hold the strawberry shape!
- Dark chocolate: I prefer at least 70% dark chocolate to contrast the sweetness of the berries, but you can use any kind you like best.
- Fresh basil leaves: Used as decoration, these replicate leaves on a rose stem and add a pop of bright, refreshing flavor.
How to Make Valentine’s Strawberries
- Carve the first row of petals: Cut the base off each strawberry so that it sits flat. Trim four petals on each side of your strawberries, making sure to leave the bottom ⅓ intact.
- Carve the second row of petals: Slice four more petals between the first petals for a layered rose look. To finish, cut a small V-shape at the tip of the berry.
- Form the base: Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler, being careful not to let it burn. Then, spoon small discs onto parchment paper.
- Assemble: Pat the berries’ bases dry, then press one berry into the center of each chocolate disc. Add a fresh basil leaf to each berry.
Possible Variations
- Whipped cream: They’re great on their own, but I love these tasty berries with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Chocolate: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate in place of the dark chocolate. Or, use a combination for different tastes.
- Add ins: Stir a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, or espresso powder into the melted chocolate for extra depth.
- Toppings: Add a sprinkle of flaky salt, chopped pistachios, pecans, almonds, coconut flakes, sprinkles, or edible glitter to each rose before the chocolate sets.
How to Store Leftovers
Store the strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy them within 1 day.
FAQs
This recipe is best served right away, but you can store the roses for 1 day in an airtight container.
You can easily enjoy these roses on their own as a treat alongside a glass of champagne or espresso. You can also top them onto a dessert platter with other sweets such as marshmallow flowers and white chocolate hearts. Or, use them as cake toppers for a bakery-worthy appearance!
You can, but the strawberries will become mushy when thawed (still great for smoothies, though).
More Strawberry Desserts
Valentine Strawberries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 strawberries
- 100 grams dark chocolate
- 10 basil leaves, fresh
Instructions
- Cut the base off the strawberries.
- Using a small knife, trim four petals on each side of the strawberry from the middle towards the base, slicing slightly inwards and leaving the bottom ⅓ intact.
- Make four petals between each of the outer ones.
- Cut a v-shape on the top of each berry.
- Melt the dark chocolate.
- Spoon the chocolate in a round disc onto parchment paper.
- Dry the base of the strawberries on a kitchen towel (this will ensure the chocolate will stick).
- Top the chocolate disc with the strawberry roses and allow to set.
- Decorate with a mint or basil leaf.
- Serve as is or with whipped cream.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
